PBS American Portrait

Storyline

This unique crowd sourced series blends stories filmed by everyday people into documentaries revealing what it really means to be American today. It's the story of what brings us together and what keeps us apart as we strive to understand each other. Episode 1: I Dream Self-shot stories explore the meaning and state of the American dream. From the desire for home ownership to ambitions for higher ed or career success, they show the hard work, opportunities and barriers that come with pursuing this ideal today. Episode 2: I Work Everyday people share self-shot stories about their jobs and careers as they navigate the changes they're experiencing and the goals they're working towards. From teachers to truck drivers, they explore what it really means to work in America today. Episode 3: I Keep People film themselves as they try to preserve or change traditions in their lives and communities. From struggles to protect culture to eliminating toxic legacies, it's an intimate look at the practices we've inherited and the ones we'll pass on. Episode 4: I Rise Go inside the lives of people working to create an anti racist American future. They film themselves doing the hard work, confronting the obstacles and achieving the small victories that could add up to real change in the movement for racial justice. Produced by RadicalMedia for PBS as part of the multi-platform American Portrait initiative. Executive Producers for RadicalMedia are Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick and Craig D'Entrone. Executive Producers for PBS are Bill Margol and Betsega Bekele. Michele Stephenson is Series Producer. Episodes 1 and 4 directed by Michele Stephenson. Episodes 2 and 3 directed by Craig D'Entrone.